Alongside my appreciation for fantastical film, I have a deep mutual love for music – and that’s not just enjoyable movie scores, but head here for some stunners, as I also reviewed a selection of my modest vinyl assemblage. It’s been exciting to see the resurgence of the record, and it’s valiantly competing with digital streaming thanks to some of the biggest names in the popular game championing the format, while also offering multiple variants for both new releases and back catalogues.

In my opinion, I think that listening to an album on vinyl is one of the greatest ways to appreciate what the artist intended, plus the method clearly stands the test of time over the likes of cassettes, or even CDs, as there’s nothing quite like time away from distractions to take in that crisp, and occasional healthy crack, sound from your favourite albums. And the Majority Moto Plus follows up it’s predecessor, the Majority Moto, with a turntable that’s beautifully clear to the ear and even smarter for your home setup – as they’ve made it look even more professional.

I’ve been assessing Majority’s audio products for a few years, which covers the realms of film-watching with soundbars, Bluetooth speakers and even a DAB/CD Music System from the UK-based company. And with each product, they’ve proven that a impressive setup can be economical and give you the value you’d usually expect from bigger names in the industry – and now I think they’re up with those others, as the Majority Moto Plus is worth the cost.

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First Impressions

It hasn’t been too long since this type of affordable turntable – with other businesses – would have only given you a plastic, tinny sound, often with inbuilt speakers that don’t do the product or, more importantly, the music, any justice. Even when the Majority Moto changed that rhetoric with aplomb, the first difference with the Majority Moto Plus is that they’ve stripped away the inbuilt deck speakers (but worth noting you can still connect to Bluetooth) and now offer a classic-look record player with speakers to plug in as an entire set – and it all comes enclosed in a fine, wood-like casing.

So immediately you’ve got two options: you can either continue to attach to your Bluetooth speakers, should you have some, or plug in the external speakers into the back of the turntable. Once decided, just plug in the turntable, place the needle down on your favourite record and – my tip – choose something you want to hear loudly! While I was initially apprehensive about this smaller set of bookshelf-size speakers that just plug in, because they are quite small, I can say very speedily that the sound quality didn’t disappoint at all.

The speaker duo are 60W and together deliver impressive highs, mids and also a stellar resonant bass for the price. While you don’t have to plug them in to use the Majority Moto Plus – again, using its Bluetooth benefit – you’ve got the choice. For some reason, I found upon plugging them in that it possibly gave less of a digital signal, this may be a placebo effect, but I’m sure I could hear those welcoming crackles a little clearer; something I adore about records. Obviously, if it’s too crackly or skipping, then clean your vinyl properly, and gently, and make sure there’s no dust caught up on the stylus. And so, what about the needle and stylus, you ask?

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That Audio-Technica cartridge

This is a crucial place in which we find ourselves, and especially for the affordability factor. While your turntable can play at 33 ⅓, 45, and 78 RPM speeds for a range of vinyl formats, the Majority Moto Plus stands out due to its Audio-Technica AT3600L cartridge/needle. Over the years, I’ve used cheaper record players – as I didn’t have the cash for hyper-expensive (even if the desire was there) –  and there’s no doubt the sound was disappointing but this Majority x Audio-Technica team-up is key to the success of the sound, and the cartridges’ all-encompassing sound reproduction means the strength of those grooves will come out notably via any speaker you choose.

So while I’ve spent a few weeks testing out vinyl old and new, and music from across the genres – including film scores, of course. For these tests, I’ve dived into my 12” and 7” options, including records from the 70s/80s/90s and even 2000s to just make sure that the sounds quality comes through all the genres from The National to Pulp, across Taylor Swift, Queens of the Stone Age, Radiohead, David Gray and beyond – not forgetting film scores for Alien: Romulus, Dune Part Two, Shaun of the Dead and even Rogue One. Each of these obviously bring their own vibe to the moment, but I found they’ve always picked out the moments I want to hear, and especially interesting when using the new speakers that come in the box.

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Functionality

In terms of components, the tonearm is sturdy and steady for what it needs to achieve. While there’s no auto-return option for the arm, where it usually reverts to the start point at the end of the record – something I’m previously used to – there is an On/Off button option, which either stops it automatically, or lets it just spin around into infinity. For me, it seems logical to let it switch off when it hits the end of the grooves, otherwise you’re in danger of wrecking of the needle/stylus and that doesn’t seem too sensible. But that’s probably where you’re saving overall costs and, to play devils advocate, even an auto-return needs you to flip the record.

The Moto also has a precision-engineered dampening platter and feet to minimize vibrations from outside sources. I’m haphazardly clumsy and can accidentally help a record jump, so I did this in a similar fashion for this test – and had no unusual issues. There’s also a Majority-branded slip mat, which you could replace, that does the job and looks better than the plain plastic deck beneath – but, as a thought, the next update I’d want is a larger deck.

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Other plusses

As well as Bluetooth connectivity, you’ve got ‘AUX In’ option on the back and could also play from a USB slot on the side – to give you alternatives. You can also use the USB slot to record from, so get those old records onto digital – and it has a ‘split’ button you can push between tracks for your recordings. So if those original vinyl versions aren’t out there, on your desired digital streaming service, then get your own records out because they’re yours, in a physical format, forever – don’t forget!

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Summary

Overall, the Majority Moto Plus is terrific and indicates Majority continue to be a key player as experts in the modern audio industry. And, this is accessible to music lovers from all backgrounds – more crucial than ever. The substantial extra of the Audio-Technica AT3600L cartridge for the Moto is also a vital one because its superiority brings all that crisp and clean goodness. Overall, this is a gratifying musical experience with a streamlined, simple design that fits in as a fresh, affordable Home Entertainment extra for any household, so get that favourite record on and enjoy the music!

Pick up your Majority Moto Plus on Amazon* at £139.95: https://amzn.to/4ipNeas

*this is an affiliate link, but these are very much my own views and review from personal use